Tuamotu - Toau

The atoll of Toau is a slightly small version of Fakarava, but
the lagoon is not safe for navigation - too many coral heads. There is a pass on
the east coast to get into the lagoon, but only local boats use it. Yachts
use the false pass on the north of the atoll. This looks like a pass, but the
lagoon end is blocked by coral, as the picture below shows. Two families live on
this part of the atoll and have installed about 8 mooring buoys. There is no
charge provided you buy an evening meal (which they prepare a couple
of times a week) at least once while you stay there. Unfortunately we
couldn't stay long enough for that and paid for our stay with a bottle of wine
and a small shaker of parmesan cheese!

Aurora B on a buoy at the head of the false
pass.

The two families had built their own small
church.

Looking across the lagoon. The wind never stopped
blowing 20+ kts the whole time we were there.

Although only 2 families live here, the leading
lights/marks into the false pass are substantial and well
maintained.